Luxury Family Holidays Handpicked for Parents

Singapore

Mandarin Oriental Singapore exterior

Ritz Carlton, Singapore

Four Seasons Singapore pool

Singapore has come a long way since its humble roots as a trading post in Colonial times and screams out for luxury family holidays. Today, it is a vibrant and exciting destination, and is a leading family-friendly city in Asia. Singapore is clean, safe, there’s an extensive public transport network and the locals adore kids. There are plenty of luxury family-friendly hotels and child-friendly restaurants, too. Its exotic blend of culture, old-world charm set against modern skyscrapers, lush parkland along a tropical shoreline combined with, great shopping, activities, and an array of attractions makes Singapore a fabulous place family fun.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore, is the only beachfront hotel in Singapore and a tropical paradise for kids.

The five-star, family-friendly Shangri-La Singapore located on Sentosa Island has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. A stay here makes you feel like you’re a million miles from the city, yet you can get there in 20 minutes. You can get interconnecting rooms and they’ll arrange babysitters (for a fee), too. It’s...

The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is a deliciously luxurious hotel in the unbeatable Marina Bay district.

Located in the Marina Bay district, the Mandarin Oriental Singapore is the perfect base to explore the surrounding sights. You’re in walking distance of such attractions as the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and the theatre; the hotel is also connected to the Marina Square shopping complex. Opulent rooms with...

The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore is the latest addition to the Marina Bay waterfront. The architecture is extremely impressive and the interiors stunning, cleverly combining both contemporary style and local heritage. Elegant rooms feature 360-degree spectacular views of the Marina Bay and Singapore skyline....

The Four Seasons, Singapore is a sophisticated and stylish hotel in the heart of the city’s heavenly shopping

Located on the tree-lined Orchard Boulevard, the luxury family-friendly four Seasons Singapore is just minutes from all the shops on Orchard Road, the Botanic Gardens and also a host of family attractions. The hotel’s afternoon tea is a treat, as is Sunday brunch at One-Ninety, featuring a supervised kid’s room...

The Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore is a contemporary, luxury hotel set in a 7-acre garden oasis in the heart of the Marina Bay area.

Recently renovated, the Ritz Carlton Millenia SIngapore features landscaped grounds, an architectural interior and an exterior worthy of admiration. Not to be missed is the 4,200-piece contemporary art collection, including works by Andy Warhol, amongst others. All rooms are extra-spacious and feature “the world’s...

The open-kitchen buffetof Straits Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt is sure to tantalize taste buds with a blend of Halal Malay, Chinese and Indian delights. The satay station is a smash hit, as is the roti prata. ‘Teh Tarik’ (pulled tea) is a novelty for kids to watch, as liquid is poured from one vessel to another at a height.

Casa Verde

1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore

For a casual alfresco brunch, lunch or dinner, Casa Verde is perfect. Located within the lush greenery of the Botanic Gardens, the ambience is terrific. Great for kids, they serve up typical Italian cuisine, with the wood-fired pizzas being an absolute hit. There’s lots and lots of space for little ones to run around.

Located on Singapore’s Keppel Island, Prive Café’s laidback atmosphere and simple, yet wholesome, café fare has cemented the restaurant’s position as one of the best places in Singapore to enjoy a casual meal by the water’s edge, overlooking the marina. There’s a good children’s menu, including utterly delicious pancakes and there is a mini playground.

If you’re looking for a hip hangout where you can take kids, then Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa is just the spot. As well as being right on the beach, it has the added bonus of a swimming pool. Reserve a bed on the beach and listen to the DJ spin chilled out tunes whilst the kids close by you. Food is international in variety, and children can choose from favourites such as fish and chips.

Nestled in a historic and conserved estate in Rochester Park to the West of the city centre, Rochester House is a grand old colonial bungalow sitting on 30,000 square feet of grounds. As well as La Viva, which serves up Spanish tapas, there’s a supervised indoor play area for children up to 12, leaving you to take it easy and enjoy a leisurely meal in the shady surroundings. The Playhouse costs from under $10 an hour but do note that children need to wear socks inside.

Famous for its signature Xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings) this authentic Michelin-starred Taiwanese restaurant is a favourite with locals. Using the freshest ingredients paired with simple cooking techniques, the recipe selection is never too rich or heavy on the palate, so it’s ideal for little ones.

If you love wildlife, then a trip to Singapore Zoo is a must. It’s unlike any other you’ll have seen. Join the Orang Utans for breakfast and there’s now a new River Safari open; kids can cool down in the splash park afterwards. For an unbeatable experience, spend an evening at the Night Safari. Another worthwhile outing is to Jurong Bird Park, where you’ll get close to a huge variety of birds. It has a splash park too.

See Sentosa Island and SE Aquarium

Spend a day on Sentosa Island, a paradise for thrill-seekers and beach-lovers alike, (even if the beaches are man-made). A fun way to get there is by cable car. Kids will love the Skyline Luge or Megazip. There’s also the world’s largest oceanarium, SE Aquarium, which recently opened with Adventure Cove Water Park just next door. It’s also home to Universal Studios.

Visit the many museums

There are plenty of museums that will appeal to both adults and children. If you’re there during Children’s Season, which runs from May to July, don’t miss the Singapore Art Museum’s Art Garden. The ArtScience museum often has great child-friendly exhibitions too, whilst the Peranakan Museum and Science Centre make for fascinating visits at any age.

Or visit the Botanic Gardens and Haw Par Villa

Head to the Botanic Gardens where kids can feed the fish and turtles or play in Jacob’s Ballas Children’s Garden. Haw Par Villa, although a little run down, is a fascinating place to visit. It features sometimes gruesome scenes depicting Chinese folklore. It features over 1000 statues and 150 dioramas that dramatise Chinese legend and folklore.

Dial 995 for emergencies. There is plenty of choice when it comes to hospitals and medical facilities in Singapore where you’ll find the level of care is excellent. The most central hospitals are Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles. Make sure you have travel insurance though, as they charge very high rates if not. It’s safe to drink the tap water, but it’s well worth bringing your own mosquito repellent.

When to go

Singapore is a popular year round destination. The weather is generally hot and humid. The rainy season is November to March, so it can be a little cooler, whilst June to September is the hottest and driest period.